All the things that parents ok their children to do at a variety of ages.

Some don't feel ok with certain ones - but are fine with others.
Some are ok with none, some ok with all.
Some have age limits, others don't.

What are you views on any of these appearance alterations/enhancements. How far is too far for your children?
____

Someone posted in the vent section about an infant getting her ears pierced at just 3 months old or so - which I feel is actually child abuse and horrific. Others, though, have no problems with that at all.
In such a case - I feel that enhancing one's appearance via some sort of painful experience is just wrong...And that's jsut me and my motherly ways talking, really.

However- I feel that all of these things (and more) that are to enhance appearance are - now - considered "cute" or "girly" when, really, their true purpose is to enhance attraction of the opposite sex. And that can invite pedophiles, freaks and the *wrong* attention, KWIM...and that wrong attention is NOT what I want my children going after or getting.

Example: boob jobs - very few women actually *need* a boob job. Most who get their breasts enchanced do so to make theirselves more sexually appealing.
Thus - I would never EVER ok any of my kids such an enhancement - I don't want them whoring around or feeling it's ok to flaunt theirselves when they're still in highschool.

And, really, that "making yourself more sexually appealing" view applies to all these things: piercings, tattoos, sexy clothes, jewelry, makeup, boob jobs, etc etc etc - all these things are for *attention* in that *area* ... which I want none of for my kids until they're out of my house.
They aren't for sale and I'm not a pimp!

Now - I know others won't agree with me fully on that. but at least most of you will see my point.

I think if a person is 18, they can do whatever they want as long as it's not illegal, immoral or fattening.

ear piercing--when she's old enough to want it (if that's at 6 or at 4 but they will be taken care of properly and she has to understand what it entails to take care of them)

make up--some lip gloss at like 12 or 13 and other makeup at maybe 15 or 16.

perfume--at 12 or 13

tattoos and cosmetic surgery when she's 18

My girls don't have their ears pierced. I wouldn't call it child abuse but it's just not something me and DH wanted to do to our kids. They will be allowed to have their ears pierced when they come home and ask for it and we feel they are old enough to take care of keeping it clean themselves.

Make up - big N-O in my house. I just see make up as a "grown up" thing and I don't want her thinking she has to wear it. I don't wear make up and if I do it's just eyeshadow and lip gloss. I don't want her to think she needs to cake it on to be look beautiful.

Perfume. Eh, Im not sure how I feel about this one. I don't wear it, just body sprays that aren't very strong and occasionally I was give her 1 small spray.

Tattoos- Ok I admit Im a bit of crazy lady when it comes to this one. My mom signed for me to get my 1st tattoo at 16. But her stipulation was it had to be "mom approved". i couldn't go get something crazy that I'd hate in 6 months. After months of taking ideas to her & getting denied she finally agreed to let me get my daughters name on my arm. I will do the same with my kids. Im ok with signing for it, but it better be a damn good tattoo idea for it to get my approval

Edit because I forgot plastic surgery- HELL NO

my tattoos are for me. my nose and eyebrow peircings were for me. the boob job i want has more to do with how i feel about myself than giving a shit what other people think. as far as my kids go, once they are 18 is none of my business what they do to a point. i think some of the things the OP said were a bit small minded, but that it their opinion, and this is mine. they dont have to mesh

Ear piercings- When they can tell me they want it done it will be done
Other piercings- If researched we'll think about it, my Dad let me get my navel done at 15 after reading up on it an agreeing to take it out at first sign of infection
Tattoos and surgery- once they are 18 and I will not pay for it
make-up- lipgloss around 11 or 12 and full make up high school maybe
perfume- middle/high school... I just remember gym PE class, lol

I don't see ear piercings and any of these things as child abuse any more than I see circumcision as child abuse. I see it as a parental choice.

Heavens - when was I born, again, 1880?
I swear it was 1980 - but 1880 it must be .... abosolute filter. Not even a filter - I'm more like a candle snuffer. LOL I'm such a prude it seems.

I'll never allow any of my kids any of these things. Not in my house - not on my dime. LOL

Not even bikinis - but I'll fork out a pretty penny for a nicely crafted chastity belt. Yep.

I don't view perfume, makeup, jewelry or ear piercings as something to make kids more "sexually appealing". Confidence maybe? Feeling good about themselves? Fitting in? Many, many reasons for kids to do those things but not for sex appeal (not in my eyes at least).

I do not have kids, but here goes:

Ear piercings at 3 mos old, why not? My mother took me at that age and while I probably wasn't a happy child at the time, it's not something that I remember or that scarred me in any way for life.

Piercings (other than ears), tattoos, any cosmetic surgery- THESE are things I would absolutely NOT allow in my home before they turned 18. I would never sign off on any of those. Once they become of legal age, they can make their own decisions. At least they won't look back and resent me for "letting them make a mistake".

Makeup and perfume- I started wearing makeup and perfume (or body splash stuff) in middle school, which is a reasonable age to me. It was nothing over the top. Just to even out my skin (acne) and maybe some lipgloss. Throughout high school I wore a little more but it was never for sex appeal.

ear piercing--I had Savannah's does as an infant and I will do the same with any future girls I may have.

make up--some lip gloss at like 12 or 13 and other makeup at maybe 15 or 16. (agree)

perfume--at 12 or 13 (agree)

tattoos and cosmetic surgery when she's 18 (i agree, once they reach that age, I cant stop them)

Ear piercings- If i have a girl i will do it as soon as shes able to have it done. Any other peircings such as naval, eyebrow, w/e, when she is 18 bc i'm PRETTY sure her daddy would say HE** NO. I dont believe it's abusive at all.

Perfume/body spray- 11? I guess- i really dont know, i guess it would depend on her maturity.

Makeup- around 16 I suppose.

Comestic surgery like a boob job- def 18.

Tattoos- 18

As for other people getting one- i dont see it as "whoring" themselves around. Most of the people who I know who have gotten one got it bc they wanted it, not for sexual reasons as far as I know. I'd totally get one if I wasnt a wuss :giggle

It's all individual and depends on the maturity level of the child, reason for wanting it, etc.

I'm a reasonable person, and my son is very bright. Any decisions concerning his appearance will be made WITH, not FOR him.

I'm a strong advocate of waiting for tattoos...I'm obsessed with them and only have two. I don't think age is a factor so much as maintaining the desire for it. If Liam thought of a tattoo, and a year later still wanted the same thing, we'd talk seriously about doing it. You know what, though? Kids don't want the same thing for five minutes, much less a year :lol If it's that important to him, sure.

I shaved him a mohawk last week, and he has been consistently asking me for a few months now. He loves it.

I fail to understand why everyone finds it so necessary to care how other people raise their children. :shrug

I have my piercings for me. Not for "appearence enhancement". I'm not trying to look "cute" or "girly" either, I'm just trying to be me. I like the way they look. I really don't give a hoot what other people think about them, or me.

But, I do agree with the boob job thing. I guess I didn't even know that girls in high school got boob jobs. :dunno That's insane! Their boobs aren't even fully developed then. What cheap-ass doctor would approve that kind of operation? :arg

I think I started wearing a little bit of make-up in junior high, and started slathering it on in high school. Now, I were eye make-up and that's it. No powder, no foundation, no blush, nothing. It was just a phase, something to do while I was growing up. I don't think it has anything to do with being slutty, just growing up and experimenting! :P

As for the lipgloss? I'm still addicted to that stuff! :bliss
I have a minimum of 5 kinds in my bag at all times. I've always loved it! It's like being able to eat dessert 24/7! What kid (or me, for that matter) wouldn't want that?!?!

Ear piercing: I don't remember getting my first earrings done; I must have been about a year old. I don't see it as a bad thing, doing it that age.
Plastic Surgery: It depends on what the reason is behind it. If my daughter has either a physical deformity or something 'wrong' with her that makes it very hard for her to fit in or feel comfortable, I see no reason to not at least consider it. (you know, like those stories you hear about the 15 year old with DD boobs....come on, we all know that isn't super comfy).
Other Piercings: Depends on what it is. I was 14 when I got my second set of earrings done, and 17 when I had the upper cartilage done. I was 21 when I had my navel, and 23 when I got my nose pierced. If my daughter (or son, as the case may be) had the ability to take care of the piercing her/himself I don't know that I would have a problem with it.
Tattoos: I think it would depend on what my child wanted....like someone else said; Mom approved wouldn't be too bad.
Make-up: 12-13 lipgloss is okay, and 15-16 (high school) for 'barely there' makeup. I am not sure I would be okay with caked on makeup!!

A lot of it depends on the maturity level of the child. I don't see how wearing makeup or piercings that make a person an individual and confident and look his/her best are done to make him/her sexually appealing. If it makes you feel good, and doesn't hurt anyone, why not? Everyone's idea of what makes a person look 'slutty' or 'cheap' is different.

I disagree that these things are used for sex appeal only. I am sure that some people do use them to be more sexy, but not all. I would allow a juniorhigh/highschooler to wear makeup. I would allow a elementary schooler decide to pierce their ears. Those things aren't for sex appeal. What's the difference between that and picking out a top that you like? Do you only wear tops that look good for sex appeal? I wouldn't let a child go over board with make up and they would learn to wear make up from my teachings, and it would be age appropriate make up.

I don't think that tattoos or other piercings are for sex appeal either. I mean sure they can be. My tattoos are pieces of art. They are sentimental to me, and they are beautiful, not sexy. I would let a person over 16 get a tattoo if they had picked something out that was reasonable and tastefull and still wanted it in a year. Heck that's what I do to pick out tattoos.

I do think letting highschoolers get plastic surgery is crazy though. How about working on their self-esteem instead. They're not even done growing yet. My boobs didn't stop growing til I was 19, and I was an EARLY bloomer. For an adult that's their decision. I'm not against plastic surgery for those mature enough to handle the risks vs the advantages. A teenager can not rationally make that choice, though. Unless there was some serious imperfection or deformaty (sp?) I don't see why a teenager should be allowd to have plastic surgery.

I do however think that there is a major issue with todays tweens and teens wearing "sexy" clothes and too much make-up. I hope to raise my future children to have more value for their body and enough confidence to know that showing cleavage is not the way too look pretty.

We don't have a daughter yet but if we did these are da rulz:

ear piercing-- when he or she asks for one anytime after 12 years

other piercing -- belly, nose, etc 16 and older

make up--some lip gloss CLEAR in middle school, make up as a freshman in high school

perfume/cologne --freshman in high school

tattoos -- at 16 just like my Mom allowed us to do I will take the boys (or girls if we ever get to adopt) if they want one

cosmetic surgery -- 18 in other words when they can pay for it themselves

Ear Piercings: I got my DD's done at 6 months. I would now take that back and have waited til I knew she wanted it. And if we had another girl I would wait. But I can't take it back so she is 7 with a bunch of ear rings and other jewelry.

Perfume: I'll let her have a couple spritz of my body spray if she wants before she goes to school or we go out. She doesn't have her own and she isn't allowed to load up on it though.

Make-up: I'll let her wear a light face without mascara, eye liner, and lipstick at about 13. I will let her wear lip gloss though then. Full face will have to wait til 15-16.

Tattoos and Boob Jobs: If she wants them that is fine but she'll have to wait til she is 18.

I think its fine to have an infants ears peirced theyre easy to care for and less likely to get infected and they wont remember the pain,also I've heard the sound the gun makes scares them more than the pain.
Other peircings she can do as well when shes old enough to deciede and choose except facial peircings mainly for job professionalism but other than that hubby and i have agreed to let her express herself through hair coloring or peircings.
I hope my daughter never resorts to plastic surgery i think god makes you perfect the way you are and i want her to be comfortable in the body she is given
.....tattoos on the other hand i think she should wait until she is at least 18 so she makes the decision on her own and can't blame me in the future if she gets something she hates lol
makeup probably around middle school or later depending on when she asked and when i felt she was ready

Ear Piercings- When she is old enough to ask me to do it.

tattoos- When she is 18. Its illegal here for a studio to tattoo anyone under 18 even with a parents permission.

Perfume- 12

makeup- Full makeup at 14 after being taught how to put it on

Boob jobs or other unnecessary cosmetic surgery- 18 when she is old enough to pay for it herself.

having three girls i can honestly say where i can understand how it is your personal choice not to have those things for a child.

not everyone is a pedophile though and most children want to fit in and feel good about themselves. my older two girls had their ears pierced as infants and that is not a sexual or i want them to look like barbies thing it was a cultural tradition. as far as make up goes. my oldest is actually allowed to wear makeup and chooses not to wear more than eyeliner, my middle one likes eyeliner and tinted lipgloss. they are 13 and 15. for my youngest i pierced her ears myself for the same reasons that the older two got theirs done. she is not allowed to wear any makeup other than clear lip gloss and she is ten.
as far as perfume goes they have always had perfume. usually kiddy stuff when they were old enought to want to spray themselves like mommy and daddy did then we got them things like disney perfume or loves baby soft etc.. all kid based perfumes. nothing sexual about it at all. i do not think they were trying to make themselves sexy i think they were trying to be like mommy . most kids do it not a big deal unless you make it a big deal. it is not abusive.
cosmetic surgery it really depends on the reasons for it. sometimes a breast augmentation is for more than sexy reasons. for example a breast enhancement could be for a child that had one breast grow enormously while the other did not grow at all, or maybe they were too big and needed a reduction.
tattoos and body piercings are in the catagory where "if you think you want it and can prove to me that you still want it and it is tastefull after a year your father and i will discuss it and get back to you" lol and this is only if they are over 16

and aunt sponge please do not take offense please read the whole statement first.
although i think you may be a tad bit of a prude and maybe a tad bit paranoid i do not think that is always such a bad thing. i mean i have my moments lol i still won't allow mine to run the neighborhood or go to friends house without me knowing and talking to the parent first which i am sure is not always pleasant being that mine are teens lol.

DS asks for cologne all the time. :lol I bought him some C&O Bigalow body/hair wash that stays with him all day.. I'd hate to have a spill of fuu-fuu juice in his bathroom.

OK. I fully intend on getting fake boobs in the future. And I do not want them to become more appealing to the opposite sex. I want them because it is something I am self conscious about and I would love to be able to fill out a shirt or a bathing suit. Idk what size boobs you have, but I know I BARELY fill an A cup. As for my children, I think that if they are of age and can afford to pay for it by themselves and have thoroughly thought through the decision of permanently changing their bodies than I will support them. Ear piercing... I think that if we were to have a baby girl I would want to get her ears pierced. You all may think its abusive, but I think she will never remember it. I remember getting my ears pierced when I was in 2nd grade and I swear it was traumatizing. Tattoos... I think there definitely a double standard with that. I totally see DH taking our son to get a tattoo when he is 16 or 17 and I might be ok with that. We'll see when the time comes, but never for a daughter. Other piercings... I tend to believe that if you just let the child get the piercing they will eventually be over it and take it out. A girl I went to high school with wanted her librae pierced SOO bad so her parents took her to get it and it lasted like 2 months MAX. As long as its not like gauged or anything like that I dont mind...
... Maybe Im just liberal

ear piercings-when she's old enough to handle caring for them
tattoos-18. when he or she reaches the age they can legally sign for it
perfume-when ever she asks
makeup- again whenever she asks
plastic surgery-when he/she can pay for it on there own

an other piercings if there responsable to take care of it then i don't see why not.

although i think you may be a tad bit of a prude and maybe a tad bit paranoid i do not think that is always such a bad thing.

Ha, ha :jerkit... Just because someone has conservative views doesn't make them a prude

That's like calling someone with liberal views a.. well, NM.....

I dress my son in collared shirts and khaki pants every day. No jeans and Tshirts allowed in my house for my kids. EVER... If he was a girl, he'd wear below the knee dresses, and high collared blouses.

Guess I'm a paranoid prude too because I believe in modesty. :grumpy

Both DD and DS have ears pierced.DD got hers done at 5 months and DS was 6( he asked to get it done so I took him).When they are 14-15 we will consider other piercings

Make up -At 12 -13 that is when my mom let me so thats when I will let her

Perfume she already wears at 9.

Tattos not untill they are 16 but it has to be approved by us.

Surgery unless it is medically necessary I think should wait untill a body is fully developed before changes are made.

leftover--aunt sponge called herself a prude

I don't know if I would consider ear piercings a way to enhance sexuality, but I did do it as a way to tell my DD was in fact, a girl. I pierced her ears at 7 months. I think it is adorable. I don't care if other mothers do it, but I did, and I'm not in the least ashamed.

As for the rest of it, if DD asks for perfume, she may have it. If she asks for a boob job, she may have it after she is 18 and out of my house, and pays for it herself.

leftover--aunt sponge called herself a prude


:yes

I'm one as well. :depressed I have issues with bikinis too...

Ha, ha :jerkit... Just because someone has conservative views doesn't make them a prude

That's like calling someone with liberal views a.. well, NM.....

I dress my son in collared shirts and khaki pants every day. No jeans and Tshirts allowed in my house for my kids. EVER... If he was a girl, he'd wear below the knee dresses, and high collared blouses.

Guess I'm a paranoid prude too because I believe in modesty. :grumpy

actually i was responding to aunt sponges own post where she says she is a prude and while i believe in modesty my values and my version of modesty may very well be different than others. i was actually saying that we all have our beliefs and that is not a bad thing. and by the way i do not tag myself with liberal or conservative because i don't feel i belong in a box.

i just wanted to reiterate that i did not call her a prude and i was not saying that being a little paranoid is bad in fact i was saying that at times i can be a little paranoid as well and even gave an example.

and if we are getting into clothes, i actually allow my kids to express themselves with their clothing with in reason. where i will not allow them to dress like hookers i do allow them to dress how they feel comfortable. my choice in this does not make me a better or worse parent than any other that makes different choices for theirs.

to each their own.

LOL - yeah, after writing my views and reading others I realized that my views are quite prudish 'cause I'm thickly conservatively, apparently, eventhough I proclaim myself to be so open minded my brain sometimes falls out.

This is one of those debates that has changed my views a bit - not all these things are necessarily for sexual attraction....that part of my feelings, I suppose, is because If I taunt any fo these things then that's *my* intention behind it...but other people's reasons differ.

where i will not allow them to dress like hookers i do allow them to dress how they feel comfortable. my choice in this does not make me a better or worse parent than any other that makes different choices for theirs.

to each their own.

I'm really sorry, but this has been bugging me for a while.... Just to satisfy my own curiousity; Is that your child on the left side of your siggy or is that you? If that's your child, how old is she? Just curious...

yes those are actually all three of my daughters and they are 15, 13 and 10 in that order and if you are talking about the top she is wearing its a bathing suit top that she is only allowed to wear at home when we have no company because i hate the thing lol. i suppose i should update the photo since she really does not look like that anymore lol

:yes

I'm one as well. :depressed I have issues with bikinis too...

i have issues with little girls in bikinis. i've expressed my views on that and people on here told me i'm crazy for feeling that an infant or little girl shouldn't wear a bikini, tankini is fine but bikini bothers me

Ear Piercing~My daughter did not get hers pierced until she decided she wanted it. I would never do an infants ears. I think it looks ridiculous.

Makeup~Age 13 then only lip gloss and mascara now she is 15 and wears eye shadow too.

Boob Job~18 and only because I would have no choice. Fortunately she doesnt need one.

She does not wear clothes that show off her belly or her boobs. She doesnt wear the hoochie shorts or feel the need to show off her body to get guys. She doesnt have to. She has learned that she may be beautiful but personality gets you alot further in life.

yes those are actually all three of my daughters and they are 15, 13 and 10 in that order and if you are talking about the top she is wearing its a bathing suit top that she is only allowed to wear at home when we have no company because i hate the thing lol. i suppose i should update the photo since she really does not look like that anymore lol

Just wondering... And I LURVE the shoes on your youngest...I've been trying to find that style in my size...

Ears....she wants her ears done now so we told her she can get them pierced for her 5th bday next year

Tattoos...when she can pay and sign the consent form on her own

Cosmetic surg.....same as the tattoo answer

Perfume....she has the kiddy body spray from B&BW, got it for Christmas a couple of years ago..she wears it every now and then. Anything other than that she can wait until she is older :yes

thanks i updated the pictures with not the best pics lol i will have to take some this weekend we ordered those shoes from a place in mexico like 6 yrs ago when my oldest wore that size lol i love pass me downs

Well, everything you listed applies to me, including the boob job. :lol

I don't have a daughter, but as far as my son goes and tattoos, he'll have to wait till he's 18 if he wants to do that. I have 8 tattoos, but I seriously dislike 3 of them because they are on my arms and I got them all when I was 18 and to stupid to realize that it could hurt be in a professional situation/atmosphere.

Well, everything you listed applies to me, including the boob job. :lol

I don't have a daughter, but as far as my son goes and tattoos, he'll have to wait till he's 18 if he wants to do that. I have 8 tattoos, but I seriously dislike 3 of them because they are on my arms and I got them all when I was 18 and to stupid to realize that it could hurt be in a professional situation/atmosphere.

:depressed that's why I wear full sleeved shirts to work...... I went a bit over board....

This is my view on it:
Ear piercing is ok with me (even as an infant). I don't believe its purpose is to attact the opposite sex.
Boob job for a kid???? Heeeell no!
Tatoos? NO
Skirts above their knees and little tank tops? NO
Make up? When they are old enough (16+) sure.

My mom let me wear make up and I got my nose pierced, but I did not run around with guys. I didn't have sex until I was 20.
On the other hand, my friends whose parents didn't let them do anything..the minute they turned 18 they started drinking, sleeping around with guys and ended up on drugs and in a lot of trouble.
So it is every parent's decision but I do feel strongly about tattos and revealing clothes.

Ear Piercing- No biggy with me, we got our daughters done as an infant.

Make-up- I say they can be 14, bc that was the age i started wearing it.

Perfume- I don't see the problem if they want to smell good, I don't see it as trying to attract a mate.

Tattoos and boob jobs- when they are 18 and have money to get it done themselves. Cause i sure as hell aint paying for it.

Ear Piercing- No biggy with me, we got our daughters done as an infant.

Make-up- I say they can be 14, bc that was the age i started wearing it.

Perfume- I don't see the problem if they want to smell good, I don't see it as trying to attract a mate.

Tattoos and boob jobs- when they are 18 and have money to get it done themselves. Cause i sure as hell aint paying for it.

I don't know why wanting to look cute and fashionable equals to "whoring" around.

I wear make-up, because yes, I sometimes look like pure shit without it. Most women past a certain age do. I don't like the blemishes and the racoon eyes that come as you get over. So yeah, I'll cake it on. I don't see anything wrong with making yourself look as attractive as possible.

It's not about being sexy, it's about not wanting to leave the house looking an old, tired, hot ass mess.

Same goes for my daughter. She had her ears pierced when she was 10. I don't care about perfume just like I don't care about scented soaps and lotions. I wouldn't allow her to go under knife or get a tattoo for any reason, because it's permanent, and permanent acts should be committed by an adult.

All the rest, I couldn't care less about. If her skin tone is heavily blemished and uneven as she gets older and she wants to wear make-up, I will show her how to put it on properly, and will be happy that she's taking an interest in herself.

I would never allow my kids to get any kind of body altering enhancements before they were 18, except for ear piercings. But, I wouldn't let them get their ears pierced until they were old enough to take care of them on their own. As for makeup, I would say they could probably wear a little bit at 12 or so. You know, like lip gloss or blush or something. I think once they're 18, they should be able to do what they want to their own bodies. I don't have any kids yet though, so I could very well change my mind and tell them they can't do anything until they're gone. :lol

Honestly I have 13 tattoos and 6 piercings, And I want to have a boob job in about a yr after i have lost a my weight. But my girls got they ears pierced at 12 months old, we waited till both had all shots. I feel that if my girls are honest with me when in the teens and ask for a piercing or tat then I will talk to them about it and decide if it is the right thing to do at that time. with doing makeup and stuff like that. I was 13 3when i started to wear that and the same will go for my girls. But to say child abuse to get ears piercied at 3 months is just bull shit. thats the parents choice.

Ear Piercing- I don't see anything wrong with infants getting it done.I don't think I would though,I'd probably wait till 7 or 8 when they can at least help care for it.

Make-up- This I'm a lot more liberal about.A little bit at twelve is fine,whatever in high school.I'll teach my girls(if I have any) how to apply it and that a little can go a long way.But part of being a teen and becoming a woman is experimenting with things like make-up,so I don't have a big problem with it.

Perfume- Probably around 11 or 12.I remember how a lot of kids smelled horrible lol.

Tattoos-16 or after,if they came up with a meaningful idea and I approved of it,I would sign for it.

Piercings-If they came to me and wanted something pierced besides there ears and had thought it through,I don't really have a problem with it around 14.

Boob jobs- This is where I draw the line.Unless it's medically neccesary,they can do it when they're 18 and paying for it.

Lindsay,
You live on farm so does your son do chores in jeans or does he have to wear his kahki's? No snark I honestly am curious. Do you dress in knee length skirts high neck tops and only wear kahki pants? Again I am curious not trying to be snarky or rude.

I got a boob job... n needed it... it is the opposite type of boob job ur referring it made me feel sexier not having humongous boobies...
I am getting a tattoo on my hip.
I am also getting the same piercing steph has

Then again I do not have kids...

well - like I mentioned in previous post I never considered that others do such "enhancing" things for non-sexual purposes (does that mean I always just have my mind in the gutter?)

I suppose I just don't understand things that are done to "fit in" ... I never fit in and trying to fit in never appealed to me...I think that, perhaps, is the big difference between my views and other people's view on this part of the subject (like - wearing the *cool* jeans to fit in, etc) I was very against the grain - if it was popular or hip then I sure as hell wasn't going to do it. :dunno lol - that makes no sense, really, but that's how I was.

Now - along those lines I, now, remember getting contacts to 'fit in' after years of being made fun of. But after using those for a while I quickly decided I didn't give a crap about others enough to change myself and wanted my shields back. LOL

So - what - I guess it just depends on your personality and life as to what's acceptable and what's not for you and your kids.
And what I won't even do I let my kids do. Like - I don't like showing my legs, I feel it's gross, but I'm fine with the kids wearing shorts.
Ok, yeah, that's far different than boob jobs but you get the idea. LOL I try *not* to be such a prude with my kids - only with myself.

Ear Piercing- No biggy with me, we got our daughters done as an infant.

Make-up- I say they can be 14, bc that was the age i started wearing it.

Perfume- I don't see the problem if they want to smell good, I don't see it as trying to attract a mate.

Tattoos and boob jobs- when they are 18 and have money to get it done themselves. Cause i sure as hell aint paying for it.

I agree with this and Cocco Goddess

ummm
i think that make and ear piercing is fine


but additional piercing, tattoos, plastic surgery
only when they are no longer financially dependent on me

I got a below the belt piercing (yes TMI) and it was definitely for sexual purposes, lol. But I was 22 and old enough to do it. I don't think you're a prude though, you sound like my Mom though. :D

well - like I mentioned in previous post I never considered that others do such "enhancing" things for non-sexual purposes (does that mean I always just have my mind in the gutter?)

I suppose I just don't understand things that are done to "fit in" ... I never fit in and trying to fit in never appealed to me...I think that, perhaps, is the big difference between my views and other people's view on this part of the subject (like - wearing the *cool* jeans to fit in, etc) I was very against the grain - if it was popular or hip then I sure as hell wasn't going to do it. :dunno lol - that makes no sense, really, but that's how I was.

Now - along those lines I, now, remember getting contacts to 'fit in' after years of being made fun of. But after using those for a while I quickly decided I didn't give a crap about others enough to change myself and wanted my shields back. LOL

So - what - I guess it just depends on your personality and life as to what's acceptable and what's not for you and your kids.
And what I won't even do I let my kids do. Like - I don't like showing my legs, I feel it's gross, but I'm fine with the kids wearing shorts.
Ok, yeah, that's far different than boob jobs but you get the idea. LOL I try *not* to be such a prude with my kids - only with myself.

ROFLMAO!
:wise

Listen here now and I'll tell you about this man I met named Washington...

Ok - so - sorry about the child abuse piercing comment, I admit that was harsh and hurtful and a snubby blanket statement.

And it never occured to me it was a cultural thing for most. I hadn't even given it that much thought.

"ear piercings, tattoos, perfume, makeup and boob jobs

ear piercines honestly i think piercing infants ears is ok. this way they dont remember the whole what ten seconds of pain? also im sure taking car eof a babies ears and making sure they are clean is alot easier then trusting a 14 year old to do it...this is when i got my ears pierced and i never remember to do anything i was supposed to do with my ears...

tatoos and boob jobs i think 18+ should be allowed to make their own decisions i was disgusted that half my senior class got boobs jobs for a graduation present...

perfume and makeup i think that one is a case by case dpeneding on how mature your child is i personally didnt wear makeup until i was 16...because i was too lazy lol :)

I got a below the belt piercing (yes TMI) and it was definitely for sexual purposes, lol. But I was 22 and old enough to do it. I don't think you're a prude though, you sound like my Mom though. :D

Wait... *gasp* oh to bad I am gettin it too and u influenced that decision... oops :tmi

Ear Piercings- When she is old enough to ask me to do it.

tattoos- When she is 18. Its illegal here for a studio to tattoo anyone under 18 even with a parents permission.

Perfume- 12

makeup- Full makeup at 14 after being taught how to put it on

Boob jobs or other unnecessary cosmetic surgery- 18 when she is old enough to pay for it herself.

This is basically how I feel, but it totally depends on the child, the circumstance... ya know.

Aunt Sponge... I am actually a big old "prude" when it comes to kids clothing too, so don't feel bad. I didn't care much before I started taking care of my nieces and nephew full time. I was the "other mother" for three years and the longer I took care of them the more prude I got. :lol I HATED when they wore half shirts or short short or bikinis. HATED IT. And I totally never thought I would be that way! If I have kids, I have a feeling that clothing will be one of the things that we fight about. I would let them dye their hair any color of the rainbow if they wanted, but if they tried to walk out of the house wearing something that made me uncomfortable I would probably freak out. :rofl

All the things that parents ok their children to do at a variety of ages.

Some don't feel ok with certain ones - but are fine with others.
Some are ok with none, some ok with all.
Some have age limits, others don't.

What are you views on any of these appearance alterations/enhancements. How far is too far for your children?
____

Someone posted in the vent section about an infant getting her ears pierced at just 3 months old or so - which I feel is actually child abuse and horrific. Others, though, have no problems with that at all.
In such a case - I feel that enhancing one's appearance via some sort of painful experience is just wrong...And that's jsut me and my motherly ways talking, really.

However- I feel that all of these things (and more) that are to enhance appearance are - now - considered "cute" or "girly" when, really, their true purpose is to enhance attraction of the opposite sex. And that can invite pedophiles, freaks and the *wrong* attention, KWIM...and that wrong attention is NOT what I want my children going after or getting.

Example: boob jobs - very few women actually *need* a boob job. Most who get their breasts enchanced do so to make theirselves more sexually appealing.
Thus - I would never EVER ok any of my kids such an enhancement - I don't want them whoring around or feeling it's ok to flaunt theirselves when they're still in highschool.

And, really, that "making yourself more sexually appealing" view applies to all these things: piercings, tattoos, sexy clothes, jewelry, makeup, boob jobs, etc etc etc - all these things are for *attention* in that *area* ... which I want none of for my kids until they're out of my house.
They aren't for sale and I'm not a pimp!

Now - I know others won't agree with me fully on that. but at least most of you will see my point.

I agree with you!!!! I have 2 daughters, I guess alot of people consider me old fashioned(in spite of being 26) I am NOT going to allow my girls to walk around looking like little whores. Hell, they aren't even allowed to own a Bratz Doll. I think it puts the wrong image in their mind.

i'll address each of these individually:

ear piercings... my mom had to force me to get mine done when i was 10. she bargained and bargained and i finally gave in. my little sister BEGGED to get hers done, when my mom told her it was pointless to do it, because her hair covered them anyway, she cut off her hair! (she was maybe 4) so i dunno, i would probably leave it up to my child. i don't really wear earrings, but if they wanted their ears pierced i'd let them do it. other piercings, though, would be a later debate. (other ear piercings in their early teens, belly button, i'd let them do at 15-16, nose at 16-17... but that's all i'll sign for!)

tattoos... when they're old enough to do it on their own. that's permanent and i'm not going to condone it, even though i have my own, i was 19 before i got one. (my sister and stepsister both managed to get one at 17 though, bad girls, lol)

perfume... i'll let them wear body spray when they're younger, perfume when they can learn not to spray half the bottle on them.

makeup... again, when they're young they can have lip gloss and shimmer powder, and as they get into their teens, they can wear whatever they want. again, my mom had to kind of push me into makeup (she's a cosmetologist so she was all about us girls wearing makeup and doing our hair nicely, although she hated some of my more "edgy" looks in high school, lol)

and boob jobs... same as tattoos. i want fake boobs, but i'm an adult. as a teen you're too young, you're still growing. wait until you're an adult and can afford them.



i think i'm a little more liberal with these things, because i was raised by a mother who worked in the beauty business. you can make yourself look attractive without over-sexing it up. i remember my mom yelling at me for wearing low-cut tops as a teenager... she wanted me to look pretty BUT age appropriate. i want my daughters to learn what is and isn't classy and acceptable, and how to wear makeup and do your hair properly (i had to teach quite a few of my friends how to actually use a curling iron, and how to dye your hair without ruining it, lol)

LOL, Aunt Sponge, you're fun to read. I pretty much take different stands than you on most topics here (at least based on your original post), but that's cool. I can totally understand though your concern about pedophilia. It just doesn't cause the same responses in me as you, that's all. I don't really sexualize the same social behaviors as you do. But, I'm still fine with you being you.

I really didn't think you'd hold firm on that 'ear peircing = child abuse ' opinion, and you didn't. You clarified it. But, I'm such a relaxed and confident (liberal) mom, I wouldn't much mind if another person viewed my young girls' piercings as wrong. To each his own, and without anger I say this.

Makeup is fun for kids to experiment with, just not to depend on for confidence (same with adults).
Tattoos (small maybe as teens, but I'd discourage if possible, and try to defer until later).
Perfume is a non-issue. I'll spray it in their hair on the days I didn't get around to their bath the night before (naughty mommy that I am!)
If I had a son, I would circ him in the hospital. (To prevent later infections.)

On the boob job, well, mine's scheduled for Thursday...ha! I'll let you know about the sexy factor afterward. I'm not expecting any change there, as I'm a fairly confident person to start with, deflated hoo-hoos or not. LOL:hehe

I wouldn't lump all those things the OP posted into the same basket. Some are true body mods, others are just girlie rights of passage. I will try and raise my daughter to be confident in herself as is. I think when she brings those subjects up will be the time to talk about them, if she needs to be guided.

I don't think I will be giving speeches at specific ages but I do think there is a difference between expression in a healthy way for the right reasons and just succumbing to pier pressure. Hopefully we can instill in Charlotte all the tools she needs to be a confident young lady who's interest in her looks don't overwhelm all the other great things she'll have going for her.

I'm going to sound like a liberal momma and DB probably won't stand for it, but

Piercings when they're babies (the girls)
Makeup when they're 14 or 15
Perfume whenever they want it.
Tattoos when they're 16
and boob jobs? Well, I ain't paying for it.

Well, I don't have kids, but I can tell you what my parents did for me :).

Ear piercing: 9 years old, I asked and they figured I was old enough to take care of them.
Perfume: actual perfume was when I was 16, body spray when I was 12.
Make up: mascara and lipgloss at 14 and the rest at 15.
Tattoos: not until I was 23 and I paid myself
Body enhancement: Yeah, there was no way they were going to pay for that, lol.

I also wasn't allowed to date until I was 16 and only if my parents approved of the guy.

Ear piercing - I would do it when the child is small...JMO. I don't see anything wrong with it and the holes can close. Any other type of piercing while under 18 will be done with mine and dad's approval only.

Tattoos - 18+ I just think that we change so much before we hit the age of 20 and hell...we change a lot then after 20. But tattoos are forever so its important to get something you aren't going to hate. Its can be hard to grasp the simplicity of that when you are too young.

Perfume - I was wearing body spray in high school so I think its okay. In moderation of course!

Make-up - I was wearing it in Jr. High and I WISH my mom hadn't let me do that. :) I went to school looking goofy so many days... High School and even then in moderation.

Plastic surgery - I'm against boob jobs unless absolutely necessary. By that I mean, God forbid something should happen such as breast cancer, then boob jobs are okay. I just think we should be okay with what we have as it is. JMO though!

My mum is cool and laid back- we have talked about getting boob jobs since I was about 16. That's because all the girls in my family (3 sisters) have big boobs. So we want them perky :P So I'd be fine talking about it with them, but I wouldn't let them have anything done until 18+ unless they were in pain.

As for ear piercings.. whilst I don't believe it's child abuse or horrific, I know I couldn't put my daughter through it at such a young age. I got mine at 5 years old, my daughters will too.

Body piercings- 15 +. And it'd only be nose or belly. 15 is the usual age in my home country.

Tattoos...... 18 and not a day younger.

Make up- high school.

Perfume- only if I like the scent lol.. and about 12+ if it's just a body mist or something.

I really don't believe ear piercing at a young baby age is child abuse, but I chose not to do that to my girls, I am going to wait until they ask for it.
Tatoos, I love them, I would approve if my child wanted one at 16, and I would have to approve it first.
Piercings of other kinds are really no big deal, I personally would not want my face pierced, but to each his own. I would try and talk my daughters into not doing it, but when they turn 18, it will be their choice.

i will be piercing my babies ears while she is an infant. (i dont care what y'all think, she's my baby:P)lol

as far as make up/perfume/other body piercings? that will all depend on when I think she is mature enough to handle those things. I can't say a particular age, for all I know she could still be too immature to wear make up at 16 or 17. She would definitely have to understand that make up is something to dress your self up with not whore your self out with.

tattoos or plastic surgery? she would have to be an adult. I don't want to feel responsible if she ends up regretting it in the future.

All the things that parents ok their children to do at a variety of ages.

Some don't feel ok with certain ones - but are fine with others.
Some are ok with none, some ok with all.
Some have age limits, others don't.

What are you views on any of these appearance alterations/enhancements. How far is too far for your children?

my mom had my ears pierced at 6 months of age. obviously i do not recall any pain. lol.

tattoos and boob jobs - my mom would kick my ass even now if i got those and i'm 23. she doesn't approve of either. BUT i think that if you are over 18, it is ULTIMATELY your decision what you do with your body.

makeup/shaving legs - i was not allowed to do until i went to junior high. and the makeup was very minimal.

i think it depends. seems though that todays teen are doing a lot of these things younger....

piercings, tattoos, sexy clothes, jewelry, makeup, boob jobs

i dont do ANY of that for others' attention unless it is for my husband.. and unless i flat out say DEAR IM DOING THIS FOR YOU! he wont notice.

i LIKE my ears pierced. earrings (when i actually wear them) make me happy.
i WANT a tattoo. i want it in a location only i and anyone i make a POINT to show will see. it is for ME.
My definition of sexy clothing is clothing I feel sexy in. I LIKE feeling sexy. sometimes sexy to me is just the underwear under my sweats. im not going for attention. i just want to FEEL GOOD.
I LIKE wearing my rings DH gave me... and the necklaces and bracelets. i like wearing jewelry especially when it is a gift. its not to get others' attention. it is because IT MAKES ME FEEL GOOD.
I rarely wear make up. only on special occasions. but i wear it because it makes me FEEL SPECIAL and feeling special MAKES ME FEEL GOOD. it isnt for others.
and one day, i probably will get a boob job. after im done having children and my boobs have gotten all funny.... but not for ATTENTION. because i want a chest i am HAPPY with. I WANT TO FEEL GOOD.

not all things that affect your appearance are to attract someone else. sometimes... you just want to FEEL GOOD.
i will agree that some things are not for people under a certain age, but children with pierced ears, tweens wearing lip gloss, kids who can wear jewelry.... that is ok. it makes them feel good. it gives them self confidence. if they are taught proper behavior, if they are taught what is expected of them, if they understand the POINT to wearing these things.... it wont make them WHORES.
no child is a WHORE because they have pierced ears or wear other jewelry.

as far as worrying about pedophiles go.... pedophiles all have their criteria for children they prey on. some only like small children. some only like tweens. some only like blondes. if your child matches that criteria.... it wont matter what jewelry they are wearing. and furthermore... you have more to worry about with people you actually know then random strangers. statistically speaking.

just because it alters how you look does not mean you are trying to get attention. and even if you are trying to get attention, it doesnt mean you are a WHORE. there is nothing wrong with wanting to love your body... to feel pretty.. to feel sexy.
everyone has the right to love themselves.

i dont do ANY of that for others' attention unless it is for my husband.. and unless i flat out say DEAR IM DOING THIS FOR YOU! he wont notice.

i LIKE my ears pierced. earrings (when i actually wear them) make me happy.
i WANT a tattoo. i want it in a location only i and anyone i make a POINT to show will see. it is for ME.
My definition of sexy clothing is clothing I feel sexy in. I LIKE feeling sexy. sometimes sexy to me is just the underwear under my sweats. im not going for attention. i just want to FEEL GOOD.
I LIKE wearing my rings DH gave me... and the necklaces and bracelets. i like wearing jewelry especially when it is a gift. its not to get others' attention. it is because IT MAKES ME FEEL GOOD.
I rarely wear make up. only on special occasions. but i wear it because it makes me FEEL SPECIAL and feeling special MAKES ME FEEL GOOD. it isnt for others.
and one day, i probably will get a boob job. after im done having children and my boobs have gotten all funny.... but not for ATTENTION. because i want a chest i am HAPPY with. I WANT TO FEEL GOOD.

not all things that affect your appearance are to attract someone else. sometimes... you just want to FEEL GOOD.
i will agree that some things are not for people under a certain age, but children with pierced ears, tweens wearing lip gloss, kids who can wear jewelry.... that is ok. it makes them feel good. it gives them self confidence. if they are taught proper behavior, if they are taught what is expected of them, if they understand the POINT to wearing these things.... it wont make them WHORES.
no child is a WHORE because they have pierced ears or wear other jewelry.

as far as worrying about pedophiles go.... pedophiles all have their criteria for children they prey on. some only like small children. some only like tweens. some only like blondes. if your child matches that criteria.... it wont matter what jewelry they are wearing. and furthermore... you have more to worry about with people you actually know then random strangers. statistically speaking.

just because it alters how you look does not mean you are trying to get attention. and even if you are trying to get attention, it doesnt mean you are a WHORE. there is nothing wrong with wanting to love your body... to feel pretty.. to feel sexy.
everyone has the right to love themselves.
:agree 100% with everything you have said!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i remember wanting to wear make-up so badly when i was younger and my mom would only let me wear some (like lip gloss and eye shadow) and then i stopped liking it... and only wore eyeliner and mascara.. and now i never wear make up cause i couldnt be bothered! hah!
i got my ears pierced at around 7yrs. old, and my mom and dad said that as long as i properly took care of them then i could get them. now i have four holes in one ear and three in the other.. and i got them because i like them, not to appeal to anyone else. i got my belly button pierced at 17 and my nose pireced 2 weeks ago... all of my piercing are because i want them and i like them, not for anyone else.
i got my first tattoo at 18 and now i have three... and i am 20.
sooo.....anyways i guess i am trying to say that i got all of my 'enhancments' because i wanted them and i like them...
but i am glad that my parents talked to me about getting tattoos and pirecings and how i really had to make sure i wanted them for the right reasons.
:D

Well for myself, I got my ears pierced when I was 7, and around the age of 10 I was given Perfume/body spray for christmas. I started to use makeup when I was 15-16.
For my first tattoo, I was 18 the legal age. And for Breast augmentations....... I'm 24 and just strarting to consider it.

So if I were to have kids I would consider

Ear piercing at the age of 7
Perfume age of 9-10
Makeup 15-16
Tattoo- 18
plastic surgery - 18

I plan to do the same things my parents did....

Ears- My parents left it up to me. They would've let me get them pierced at any time, but I chose to wait till I was in high school.

Perfume- They waited till I started taking interest in that "girly" stuff, around 7th or 8th grade. And I started with really light mists.... so I'd learn to not overdo it.

Makeup- Again, they waited till I started taking interest and started me off super slow. Right around 8th grade.

Tattoo- The rules were that I had to be either 18 or out of the house, and I had to finance it myself. I still don't have any tattoos.

Plastic Surgery- The only way my parents would ever condone plastic surgery is if it were deemed medically necessary. I've considered getting a breast reduction for quite a while. They were extremely supportive because it would be beneficial (I'm starting to get back problems), but they also would make sure that I followed all the guidelines and advice given by the physicians.

My parents were pretty approachable and open. I plan to be the same way.

ear piercings... when she is old enough to ask for it, and take care of them herself she can have them done.. no piercings of any kind for my son

tattoos... 18.. but it will be discouraged

perfume... i don't have an issue with perfume/body sprays, I had tinkerbell and baby love perfume when I was 5 or 6 and I thought it was the coolest thing.. we bathe our kids so that they smell good, whats a little perfume/cologne as long as they aren't drowning themselves in it?

makeup... I started wearing it when I was 13.. before that I think lip gloss is ok

and boob jobs... 18 but we will discourage it, even at 18 you are still growing

As far as ear piercings, that is very culturally related. It ties into what a culture deems feminine. I think our culture here in the U.S., specific to women, is NOT feminine enough. So, to be fair, you're actually deciding to pass judgement on this based on your cultural beliefs. Someone from "the other side" may see your argument so differnt, or not really get it at all.

So, to be fair, you're actually deciding to pass judgement on this based on your cultural beliefs. Someone from "the other side" may see your argument so differnt, or not really get it at all.

Some cultures have the custom of circumcizing women and young girls... I'll pass judgement all day long if that's what it's called. Just because someone does something and labels it as their culture doesn't make it right.

Piercings: When they decide they want their ears pierced then we will do it. I had my ears pierced at 5 and it was my choice.
Other piercings... depends on what it is and how appropriate it is and their maturity level.
Perfume: When she is old enough to know not to put to much on.
Make up: Lip Gloss: 10 or 11
Other make up: Around 14... but I would monitor what is put on.
Tattoos... when the kids are old enough to decided for themselves and it is legal to do it on their own.

I generally have been raised that you can use cosmetics and dye your hair as long as you know its for fun not because you aren't beautiful without it. I want a close relationship with my children and we can talk about why they would want to wear certain things and why they would want to change their apperance in that certain way.

-Brook

ear piercings - If I had a girl we probably would have gotten them done at 6m to a year...other piercings will probably be when she is 16+ like I had to wait until I was almost 15 and pay half for my belly button and I was 16 when I got my nose done for the first time.
tattoos - Once they are 18 they can do whatever they want and wont really have a problem with them.
perfume - As long as they use in moderation I don't see the problem :shrug.
makeup - probably middle school and in moderation.
boob jobs - Like tattoo's as long as they are old enough to consent for themselves then it is okay. But we would consent to plastic surgery that would better his appearance or help him in the long run..like if his nose was messed up and caused breathing problems.

I am one to set age limits. I know that when she is 18 she will do what she wants. So I also believe in education and self confidence.
ear piercing - 12-14. She can get them done when she is old enough to take care of them herself. I'll even get mine done with her. But she is not to wear big hoops or dangly earrings without my permission. Studs only. Oh and she has to ask to get them done. I won't just do it because she's become a teenager.
tattoos - 18. When she is grown and out of my house she can get one. Most likely her dad will take her. He wants them to bond over it.
perfume - (12) when ever she hits puberty. I think she should be allowed to cover up body oder but she can not wear a scent that I feel is too old for her. I will take her to pick out a perfume when she has her first period.
makeup - 14-15 When she is in high school she can wear makeup but we will go over correct colors and application. I don't want her going over the top with it. We will buy it together when we are clothes shopping for her 9th grade year.
boob job - 18+ though I will urge her to wait until she is over 25. Unless of course she needs it because of a medical need. I will also not have her living under my roof while I pay the bills and have her spend thousands on fake boobs.

I got my ears done when I was 5, 13, 16, and 18. The first ones were my moms idea, the last were my graduation present to myslef. The othercame around special bdays, but were at my choicing, not anyone elses. I think the first piercing ius at parental choice and after that up to the child.

Tatoos after 18
cosmetic (boobs and stuff) after 21 is what I will strongly advise
makeup: lip gloss doesnt matter, strong makeup once in high school or special occassions

I don't see a problem with any of these things. I see them as forms of self-expression. I would want to get a breast augmentation because I feel my small breasts do not match my tall/large frame. I want my boobs in proportion with my body. Call it vanity, what ever you want. It's all about making yourself more confident. Everything but the boob job I'd let my kids do before 18.

I don't have children yet, but here's my plan...
piercings: I used to be sooo against infant ear piercing, but then I worked at Claire's for half a year. I've pierced quite a few babies' ears and its usually a lot easier than piercing a child in the 2-6 year old range (and even some older than that). I had a couple of babies that didn't even cry at all. Its no more painful than a shot. Now as for my own children, I'll probably wait and let them make the decision because its their ears, but we'll see. As for other piercings (nose, lip, ear cartilige) thats fine when they get into high school. I always wanted to get my nose pierced, but was never allowed to. I had to pull teeth with my parents to get them to let me get a second hole in my ear and a ear cartilege piercing (and I now have my nose pierced at the age of 21, lol).

makeup: i think foundation is fine when she reaches puberty because i had a kinda bad acne problem and my mom let me wear it to help cover it up. anything more will be in high school and in good taste.

tattoos: I'll probably make them just wait till they're 18 just because I had to, but if I do let them it wouldn't be until they're 16 probably, and I'd have to approve of the design.

cosmetic surgery: I didn't think you could get it done before 18 anyway because you're still developing?

My parents always told me "When you're 18 and supporting yourself you can do whatever you want." Of course they still shake their heads everytime I come home with a new tattoo or piercing. lol